MARTYRDOM OF CUNCOLIM REVOLT SHOULD BE CHERISHED IGNITING GOAN YOUTH: PHAL DESSAI

Panaji : July 15, 2025

 Minister for Social Welfare Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai today stated that, Martyrdom demonstrated during historic Cuncolim Revolt in 1583 by the 16 Chieftains of Cuncolim should be cherished for future generations, igniting every youth to contribute for the progress and growth of the nation. He was speaking on the occasion of Commemoration day of Chieftains Uprising organised by the South Goa Collectorate, at Chieftains Memorial, Cuncolim.
Minister Shri. Phal Dessai said that Chieftains of Cuncolim fought against the atrocities committed by the colonial rule which reflects the bravery imbibed in our culture. In order to showcase the importance of this historic Revolt, special efforts will be made to incorporate an episode dedicated to Cuncolim Chieftains Revolt in the proposed Animation film based on Goa’ freedom struggle by the Government.

Shri. Phal Dessai who holds the portfolio of Archives and Archeology also informed that the Government is committed to preserve and conserve historical documents and land records of Goa. Digitalisation of old land documents is being done by the Government. With this technology manipulation of land records and land scams could be curbed in the State, he said.
Leader of Opposition Shri.Yuri Alemao said that Cuncolim Revolt could be recognised as the first rebel in Asia against colonial rule. India witnessed its first Revolt in 1857 against British rule but Chieftains of Cuncolim rebelled against invaders 274 years before.

Shri. Alemao informed that the Government has plans to refurbish Chieftains Memorial at Cuncolim wherein Statues of 16 Chieftains will be placed at the memorial by the next year.
President of Freedom Fighters Association Shri. Rohidas Dessai expressed satisfaction as the Government incorporated historic Cuncolim Revolt in the academic textbooks. He appealed people to get inspired from sacrifices made by the Cuncolim Chieftains and maintain social harmony.

On the occasion, dignitaries presented award titled Cuncolim Shree to Shri. Sandeep Dessai, and Shri. Diago Coutinho and Cuncolim Jyoti award to football player Shri. Kenon Almeida and Cuncolim Mitra Award to Shri. Mohan Naik for their extraordinary contribution towards society.

Earlier Minister Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai paid rich tributes to Chieftains memorial along with other dignitaries including MLA Navelim, Ulhas Tuenkar, Chairman of Cuncolim Municipal Council Shri. Landry Mascarenhas, South Goa Collector Smt. Egna Cleetus, IAS, President of Cuncolim Chieftains Memorial Trust Shri. Oscar Martins, SP, South Goa Shri.Tikam Singh Verma, IPS and others.

Shri. Vijay Kumar Kopre compered the programme.

DIP/NB/AXP/SF/2025/497